FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Col. Willie Rios III relinquished command of the 10th Sustainment Brigade to Col. David V. Gillum during a change of command ceremony Monday at Magrath Sports Complex.
Rios served as the brigade commander since December 2012, which included the most recent deployment to Afghanistan from January to November.
Soldiers from the 10th Special Troops Battalion, 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 91st Military Police Battalion and 63rd Ordnance Disposal Battalion represented the brigade's subordinate units at the ceremony.
Family and friends of the Muleskinner team watched as the commanders prepared to pass the colors and write yet another page in the unit's history book.
The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of command responsibility and authority.
It began as Command Sgt. Maj. Ann M. Sydnor, 10th Sustainment Brigade command sergeant major, passed the colors to Rios for the last time. He, in turn, passed the colors to Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, relinquishing his responsibility and authority of the brigade.
Townsend then passed the colors to Gillum, charging him with the same responsibilities and authority. Gillum completed the cycle by passing the colors back to Sydnor for safekeeping.
Townsend highlighted some of the brigade's history and accomplishments in his speech, which included being led by Rios as the single sustainment brigade in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom XIV.
He thanked the Rios Family for the support they provided the Muleskinner Brigade and the 10th Mountain Division during their time in the North Country.
His speech included words some Soldiers may strive to hear during their career.
"Mission accomplished," Townsend said. "Congratulations on an outstanding command."
After Townsend's remarks, Rios gave a speech that focused on the Muleskinner legacy and the appreciation he has for the leaders, Soldiers and Families who made his command successful.
"You represent all that is great about our country and our Army," Rios said. "Your professionalism and selfless service is very much appreciated."
Rios honored every battalion by acknowledging some of their accomplishments and thanking them for their sacrifice. He also welcomed the Gillum Family to the brigade.
"Welcome to the best sustainment brigade in the Army," he said.
Gillum's speech focused on appreciation and admiration of the new team.
"You've chosen to serve in an Army at war and I thank you for your service," Gillum said. "I am honored and I am humbled to be here today joining the Muleskinner team."
The ceremony concluded after Soldiers sang the 10th Mountain Division Song and the Army Song.
Rios is headed to U.S. Central Command, where he will serve as the chief of plans at the J4 office.
Gillum came to Fort Drum from U.S. Pacific Command, where he served as the chief of logistics operations in the J4 logistics directorate for the headquarters.
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